by John
Massachusetts, USA
My elementary and junior high school years were difficult. My parents divorced when I was ten years old, my brother was nine, and my sister was five. Home life was not easy.
Although school could have been a place to get away from the unhappiness at home, it was often worse. I had some friends, but I also had enemies for no apparent reason. Starting in fourth grade, they chased me after school and tried to beat me up. I had to run home almost daily. In our last year at that school, I was relieved — until I learned that all of us would go to the same junior high school.
Seventh grade was farther from home, yet not far enough for me to take the bus. I ran the mile or so home every day. Often, I’m sure there weren’t any bullies waiting for me, but I didn’t want to take any chances.
In the cafeteria, I chose tables with only a few kids. We didn’t talk much to each other; they probably had the same problems I did. Everyone at the table seemed a little scared. I was worried every day, even sitting in the cafeteria where some of my foes were.
I couldn’t believe my ears. There was no reason for Bill to risk his popularity by inviting me to join his friends. I was nervous, even scared, but I said OK and went to sit down at his table. It was packed end to end, with about fifteen kids.
Those kids quickly became some of my best friends. I don’t remember if I had fun the first day, the third, or the thirtieth — but it was finally OK. I started walking home with some of my new friends and no longer had to run.
From then through high school, I was able to gain some self-respect. I became outgoing and confident, and made friends myself. I now own a home and business, and have a fulfilling social life. That all began when Bill asked me to join his table, where I met friends I still have 23 years later. I have never forgotten Bill’s kindness. He wasn’t obligated to include me, and may not even realize what an impact he had.
I now watch out for other people who might be the same as I was that day. They might be alone, nervous or scared. I learned that simple acts can have large impacts, and I know what one person can change in one day.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:00 — 3.7MB)
Audio Credits:
- “Children Playing at Beach Seaguls” via http://www.freesfx.co.uk
- “Kids playing park springtime” by jakobthiesen via freesound.org
- “Footsteps running away, fading” by rudmer-rotteveel via freesound.org
- “School cafeteria ambiance” by taxmanforever via freesound.org
- “Chair scrapes” by taxmanforever via freesound.org
- “Vineyard Walk” by digifishmusic via freesound.org
- Narration by Wayne Talmadge
What a great experience – thanks for sharing.
I was bullied horribly as a kid. I wish I’d had someone like this!
As was I.
I feel for ya. I was bullied at school so unbelievably much, I cannot believe the teachers allowed it to go on. I still can’t say the details out loud, but I can say it was so frequent, and loud and humiliating, right there in the halls of the school, for years! I hope the anti-bully campaigns today are working. One friend who stood by me at the time is still a friend today.
Winning the world, step by step, one soul at a time…